Council Provided Information - 5/17/2022CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY
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COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY COUNCIL of SALT LAKE CITY
TO:City Council Members
FROM:Brian Fullmer
Policy Analyst
DATE:May 17, 2022
RE: Ordinance Protecting Patient Privacy and Rights Near Healthcare Facilities
BRIEFING UPDATE
The Administration briefed the Council on a proposed ordinance to protect privacy and security of patients
visiting healthcare facilities. Guidelines would be set that balance First Amendment rights and patients’
rights to privacy, as well as facilities being able to function without disruption.
Council staff provided some examples of disturbances healthcare facilities faced including:
Demonstrators expressing varying views on COVID near and within facilities
Rallies during the pandemic in support of healthcare workers were difficult for families who lost
loved ones
Construction workers picketing about wages
When asked how distances from facility entrances were selected, the City Attorney stated they reviewed
similar ordinances in other localities and found courts throughout the country ruled distances in the
proposed ordinance are reasonable.
Chief Brown responded to a question about enforcement if protesters do not comply with the proposed
ordinance. He said the hope is to get compliance, but officers will have discretion and may cite or arrest
those who don’t comply.
Note: A Council staff report was not prepared for the briefing.
Item Schedule:
Briefing: May 10, 2022
Potential Action: May 17, 2022